A Pilot Study Examining Low Sulfur Diet as Treatment for Persistent Symptoms in Quiescent Crohn's Disease
University of Michigan
Summary
The goal of this study is to learn about a low sulfur diet in patients with Crohn's disease. Study participants will be randomized to receive a low sulfur diet or usual diet for 8 weeks. Participants will work with study nutritionists and receive dietary educational materials. Participants will attend 2 in-person visits as well as 6 phone visits during the study. In addition, subjects will undergo testing, including a test to measure rectal sensation, a test to look for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and a test to measure leaky gut.
Description
Even in the absence of active inflammation, persistent symptoms are reported in up to 46% of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, especially in Crohn's disease (CD). While persistent symptoms in quiescent Crohn's disease result in worsened quality of life and worse outcomes, evidence-based treatments do not currently exist due to lack of mechanistic understanding of this condition. The gut microbiome, which are the microbes that live in our gut, have been suggested as a potential cause of persistent symptoms. Diet is a major influence on the microbiome and may have a modifiable impact on…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Prior diagnosis of Crohn's disease based on endoscopic, radiographic, and/or histologic findings * Quiescent Crohn's disease as defined by fecal calprotectin level less than 150 micrograms/gram (mcg/g) stool and/or absence of inflammation on colonoscopy within 30 and 90 days, respectively, of enrollment * Persistent symptoms will be defined by abdominal pain and/or diarrhea T-scores greater than or equal to 55 by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Patient-Reported outcomes measurement information system Gastrointestinal scale (PROMIS-GI) Exclusion Criteria: * Prio…
Interventions
- OtherLow Sulfur Diet
Subjects will be placed on a low sulfur diet for 8 weeks with the support of a nutritionist. In addition, participants will be asked to complete: surveys, lactulose-mannitol test, glucose hydrogen breath test, blood samples, visceral sensation test, 24-hour urine sample for sulfate level, provide stool samples, optional colonoscopy.
- OtherUsual Diet
Subjects will continue on their usual diet for 8 weeks. At the end of 8 weeks, if participants are interested, they will be offered treatment with low sulfur diet for 8 weeks with the support of a nutritionist. In addition, participants will be asked to complete: surveys, lactulose-mannitol test, glucose hydrogen breath test, blood samples, visceral sensation test, 24-hour urine sample for sulfate level, provide stool samples, optional colonoscopy.
Location
- University of MichiganAnn Arbor, Michigan